What do you really want from the new OMS camera?

[Ian]

This poll is now closed. The second vote is now live here: https://www.e-group.uk.net/forum/for...he-second-vote

OM Digital Solutions is unashamedly focusing the spotlight on its mysterious new camera, which it clearly wants to be one of the stars, if not THE star, of the forthcoming CP+ camera industry shindig in Japan. Since the demise of Photokina, CP+, which opens on 24th February, can now claim to be the world's largest photo industry trade show.

I thought it would be interesting to try and distil the essence of what E-Group members want to see in the new camera. I'd like emphasise that aspirations should be 'realistic' - this new camera won't have a 'full frame' sensor, it won't make the tea for you, and it won't be on sale for sixpence.

So I have homed in on the perennial categories that experienced Micro Four Thirds system camera users. The poll will be in two parts; the first allowing a multiple choice (limit to 3 choices each) and then I will run a second poll just featuring the three most popular categories from the first poll. The second poll will be for one choice each.

So for now, please only make three choices. If I have made any important omissions (sic) - let me know as soon as possible, and I might be able to add them to the choices. The first poll will close at noon on Friday (UPDATE - the poll will close an hour earlier than planned at 11AM on Friday):

[Ian]

Thank you all who have taken the time to vote 👍

A quick reminder - the poll will close on Friday at noon (changed to 11AM) and then we will pick the most popular categories for a final vote.

Many thanks!

Ian

[blu-by-u]

you left out affordable. No point having everything and with a price like that 150-400. Oly a few elite would be able to own.

[MJ224]

Agree with Henry.

Also camera size, EM1 mk3, or EM1X

[Ian]

I think debating price at the time of launch is a bit of red herring. Early adopters will pay the full price and then the price will come down - it always works like that. Yes, I should have included a choice for body configuration but it's too late now. Improved maximum sequential shooting rate would have been a good one, too.

[Box Brownie]

Hi Ian

Not long to wait now for their online 'show' about it at midnight UK time

Last of the 5 OMSystems WOW teaser videos


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jv0FMxZ14Y


With a link to register for the online announcement online video show on the 15th February
Camera Announcement | Tuesday February 15th 2022

Join us as we celebrate an exciting product announcement. On Feb 15th we will have a series of exciting live online events to introduce the new camera. There will be presentations by our technical experts, interviews with OM SYSTEM Ambassadors and Q&A sessions. Check all the available sessions...
omds.idloom.events


I have done so

PS As previously stated, for me I am hoping for Firmware improvements for the M1X (and the Mk3).

[Chris-G]

I would like better synchronisation with a pc/mac; the ability to update camera settings direct from a computer and store the information in a readable record on the pc. Latest speculation seems to expect resolution to remain at 20mp, which is very disappointing if that's true.

[Ian]

Hi Ian

Not long to wait now for their online 'show' about it at midnight UK time

Last of the 5 OMSystems WOW teaser videos


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jv0FMxZ14Y


With a link to register for the online announcement online video show on the 15th February
Camera Announcement | Tuesday February 15th 2022

Join us as we celebrate an exciting product announcement. On Feb 15th we will have a series of exciting live online events to introduce the new camera. There will be presentations by our technical experts, interviews with OM SYSTEM Ambassadors and Q&A sessions. Check all the available sessions...
omds.idloom.events


I have done so

PS As previously stated, for me I am hoping for Firmware improvements for the M1X (and the Mk3).

It will still just be a teaser though

Ian

[Box Brownie]

It will still just be a teaser though

Ian

So they are going to make it feel like pulling teeth then if they don't make a substantive announcement I surmise there are going to be some really peeved Olympus users!

[Ian]

So they are going to make it feel like pulling teeth then if they don't make a substantive announcement I surmise there are going to be some really peeved Olympus users!

Sorry, I am confused - I thought the last 'teaser' is later today, while the announcement, you said, is in a week's time?

Apologies for any misunderstanding!

Ian

[Ian]

I would like better synchronisation with a pc/mac; the ability to update camera settings direct from a computer and store the information in a readable record on the pc. Latest speculation seems to expect resolution to remain at 20mp, which is very disappointing if that's true.

It looks like extra resolution, according to the poll results so far, is not a high priority among those who voted...

Ian

[Chris-G]

True, but 31% is a not insignificant minority! Each to their own of course, we all have different priorities. I fear Olympus is falling behind if it stays with 20mp; if you need to zoom in to a smaller portion of an image, its shortcomings become more apparent. However, I accept this can be partly alleviated by better control of the image in camera, with improvements in other areas. We await next week with great interest! I hope WOW hasn't built up our expectations too much.

[wanderer]

There is the facility in camera to shoot at higher resolution. 50 or 80 Mp. I've used the latter to produce a 360MB Jpeg for a job. Is that not big enough?

[BDennis]

Several of these items could be put under a single heading as “better sensor” I think? I was conflicted between “sensor dynamic range” and “in camera image processing modes”, some of which may help dynamic range. Anyway, I want it all 🤣 ..but at what cost for a new camera body? Hopefully we will know more in a week or so unless the upcoming announcement is another teaser…

[Ian]

I think my distinction between resolution and noise and DR is justified because 'better sensor' might have represented more pixels and it's interesting to see that is a lower priority - so far. I may combine noise and DR in the final poll, though.

[blackfox]

According to the video I just watched the new CAMERA is going to be announced next TUES 15/02/22

[Box Brownie]

Sorry, I am confused - I thought the last 'teaser' is later today, while the announcement, you said, is in a week's time?

Apologies for any misunderstanding!

Ian

Ah! no problem

The first link I gave was to the 5th of the 5 teasers, released I think approx. 3 hours before I spotted it mentioned on DPReview.

The 'announcement' link relates to a multi language set of hosted videos

[pdk42]

So, AF and high ISO noise are out front - I guess it reflects the predominance of wildlife togs here! Maybe I should go look at Nikon again . (only kidding!).

[MJ224]

It is interesting that many of us "do" Wildlife stuff. It is certainly a very challenging subject to pick, but it's always different and seasonal.

I do wish I had a medieval town nearby to do more Architecture and maybe street photography, but alas I have to do with what I've got. A Welsh bog or two...:-))

[Ian]

So, AF and high ISO noise are out front - I guess it reflects the predominance of wildlife togs here! Maybe I should go look at Nikon again . (only kidding!).

For someone who produces such remarkably good results with Micro Four Thirds when shooting landscapes and architecture, aren't you a reality check on the M43rds detractors?

Ian

[pdk42]

That's a nice thing to say Ian - thanks. But I think in truth almost all modern ILC cameras are more than good enough for 99% of landscape and architecture photography needs. There are some edge cases where specific brands will do better, but I don't think m43 is heavily disadvantaged compared to others.

[Nova Invicta]

The way for the horse to stay in the race is to improve in key areas:-
1. AF - Nikon, Sony & Canon have all made huge strides in AF so Olympus has to step onto the plate
2. MP - The sensor needs to show a number of improvements in resolution, noise reduction and read speed to stay relevant along with dynamic range.
3. Key differences - To stand out the camera needs to bring something new. Maybe better ways to move the files from the camera to online with basic edits in camera to match some of the benefits of smart phones.

[MJ224]

You can transfer files via Wifi/bluetooth with the Olympus Workspace. But its very slow.....

[wornish]

I think it's only jpgs that can be transferred via WiFi/Bluetooth. Not RAW and why is it so slow.
The faff of having to take out your SD card or connect by USB cable is from the dark ages. Phones have been able to do it for years. Making things easier is why they are taking over.

[Ray99]

I regularly transfer RAW files over OW, indeed I have to take the 'RAW card' out if I want the jpg version of the file as it transfers from the Slot1 by default, switching to Card 2 if no card in Slot 1. Completely agree it's slow though.

[ian p]

Size is becoming big weakness of the OM system. It was once a reason to choose OM but Sony and Panasonic are leading the way now. Some OM bodies are growing quite big if you want the better AF.

[Ray99]

Adding my support for the 1X. I think it's the most ergonomic camera I've owned, it just feels right in my hands with all the buttons falling just right under the fingers. I came to Olympus (via the 1Mk ii) from Nikon which have a very good rep re ergonomics; I wasn't sure about upgrading to the 1X from the Mk ii until I held one in the hand, it was that which sold it to me.

[ian p]

The smallest OMs for on the fly pocket use are still bulky compared to Sony/Panasonic. The EM1/X is way too huge. Fine for a dedicated photo outing with all your kit, but will be left at home by more people on more such low key occasions. It is this scenario where OMs lose out now.

[Tordan58]

For use with the largest lenses, the E-M1X form factor offers great ergonomy and weight balance. For use with medium size lenses, the E-M1 form factor is great. And for the smallest lenses then the E-M5 or E-M10 is perfect. I have small to medium-sized hands and all the bodies work for me.